Daily Archives: 26. June 2016

One of the recently resurgent militant groups in Niger Delta, Asawana Deadly Force of Niger Delta (ADFND), which had announced its sinister verve and tendency on Thursday, has slated a date that it would blow up Bonga Field, Onitsha – Asaba bridge, Third Mainland bridge, and other major bridges across the southern part of the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by its commander, Olomubini Kakarakokoro, popularly known as No Mercy.

Olomubini further stated that the only reason the threat will not be carried out is if headquarters of major oil companies are moved to the Niger Delta region.

The statement read: “We are bombing Bonga field, Onitsha -Asaba bridge, Third Mainland bridge, and other major bridges across the southern of the country, on Saturday 2nd July,2016.

“This is not a mere threat. The only way out is for the Federal Government to relocate all headquarters of major oil companies to Niger Delta. They are built with our oil money. They must be moved back to the Niger Delta region.

“If the federal government fails before the said day, we shall surely carry out the attack. The companies which headquarters we want back now include; Chevron,Agip and Shell which has their headquarters in Lagos.”

“In addition, the federal government should move all refineries to the Niger Delta. This is without further delay as we shall meet further delay with corresponding colossal damage in the mentioned places on the said date.

“We wants to tell President Buhari that now that the going is getting tough, the tough has to get going,”

On Friday the 24th of June, 2016 at Otres Restaurant, Mr. Uzoma Dozie- C.E.O Diamond Bank was an honored guest at the SME100 Nigeria.

As part of its commitment to supporting and empowering SMEs across Nigeria, SME100 Nigeria presented another edition of the SME100 Business Lunch. This special edition saw Mr. Uzoma Dozie speaking on the topic: “The Age of Digital Disruption; Leveraging Technology for Business Growth’’.

The participants of the Business Lunch learned about the benefits of adopting innovative technology solutions in their various businesses. In addition, they were taught on how to leverage technological solutions for business growth and expansion. It was an opportunity to meet and network with other enterprising and vibrant entrepreneurs.

Unlike what most music lovers would expect or are used to, the Magic City Gang Music recording artist dishes out one of the most subtle and perceptive singles of the year 2016 so far.

With 2 songs (“Monster” featuring Maxino & “Doe Black” featuring Frankie Free) released so far from her yet-to-be titled EP, “Friends” serves as the 3rd single off the EP and adds more to our expectations off this EP. The Clemtromix mixed/mastered offering is sure to get even added rave reviews as it’s already got industry heads talking even before it’s official release.

DJ Toxiq shows us a different side to her artistic nature as the musical composition within this piece of music titled “Friends” sees her appealing to her vocals as never heard before – without further ado, listen up and share your thoughts.

First, I heard of Falana was at the recent Asa Live in Concert Lagos – she was one of the opening acts – did her own rendition of Sound of Music’s Favourite things – AMAZING! What intrigued me the most, she played an instrument which she sat on – a wooden box also known as cajón.

Still wondering what the big deal is with this breath of fresh air in the Nigerian music industry, watch her clip below covering the black president’s Lady in her own way.

#FalanaUncoverd Show 1 kicked off at around 8.30pm. Guests in the crowd included Chocolate City Records, Chairman, MI and uber-talented producer, TV presenter, Folu Storms, Femi Leye (amazing guitar playing artist) and artist, IBK. The lady of the moment, arrived in her spot, wearing a white cropped top and a pair of fringe pants all designed by iamisigo of course. Her hair in trademark afro. Welcomed the audience with her guitar before ending the night with her cajón.

With no album yet, just a collection of songs, Things Fall Together EP, Falana in the next three months in different vibrant spaces across Lagos, Nigeria, will share pieces of her story and the electricity of live music with her audiences.

This is the first of four (June, July, August & September) pop-up concerts from the afro-haired lady with the ‘box’. Next show date is July 29th – location yet to be announced. For ticket information go to http://www.falanamusic.com/uncoverd/ – Don’t miss the next show.

The army also said troops, supported by members of a grassroots security force, conducted raids in 15 villages on Sunday, during which they “killed six Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others”.

“The troops also liberated over 5,000 persons held hostages by Boko Haram terrorists,” it said.

Usman added that troops of 7 Division Garrison Rapid Deployment Force II, some of elements of Mobile Police Force and Civilian JTF killed two members of the deadly sect during similar clearance operations at Masu Yiwa, Ladin Buta, Bazaka, Kesa Gala, Tabla, Fahinde, Shirori, Gizina, Maska Aribe, Maska and Maska Lawanti villages of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Andrea Pirlo is certain Italy are looking for revenge against defending champions, Spain, when they meet in the second round of Euro2016.

Italy were thrashed 4-0 by Spain in the 2012 final of the continental showpiece. And even though, he wishes the fixture had come later on in the tournament, he backs his compatriots to emerge winners.

“It is too soon. Spain should have won their group and it could have been a great final, but it gives us a chance to exact revenge,” Pirlo, who controversially missed out on the squad, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I think [Spain] are [more worried about the game]. It isn’t easy to play against this Italy.
“They are the favourites because they still play the best football, but we also try to have our say now. It was almost impossible for us at Euro 2012.

“Nobody takes control of a match like Spain, but then your interpretation of good football matters. Is it better to be a solid side or one that entertains? The best is being a side that wins and they are winning everything at club level as well.”

Pirlo feels Italy’s 3-5-2 system could pose problems for Spain, citing Del Bosque’s team’s struggle to break down Czech Republic in their Group D opener.

“They aren’t used to being without the ball,” added the 37-year-old, who has won 116 caps. “They aren’t organised in defence and that makes them vulnerable.

“The 3-5-2 helps you cover the field and put pressure on their ball carrier. Their first match at Euro 2012 shows they struggle against that formation.”

Monday’s Paris showdown will be the 35th match between the nations, who have recorded 10 wins apiece.

There is a lot of shock over Wizkid – the biggest African act in the last two years – missing out on the BET Award for Best International Act – Africa. And rightly so.

Wizkid’s late 2015 single, Ojuelegba was the hottest single of last summer, even before Drake and Skepta jumped on a remix that only served to catapult it further. The song enjoyed endorsements from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, and got recognized by Fader as 12th Best Song of 2015 Globally.

To add to that, this year Wizkid co-wrote, co-produced and featured on the hottest song of this summer, One Dance by Drake. The song has been the longest running number one single in the UK’s digital music history, as well as the longest running number one single this year on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016.

Needless to say, the reach of Wizkid’s music has comfortably reached beyond Africa to the US with all these features, and also to Europe where he recently toured with Chris Brown. He has brought so much attention to African music with American entertainment personalities like Wale and DJ Akademiks discussing and defending him on radio and social media respectively.

However, there is almost no way Wizkid could have won that award. Wizkid made it clear last year that he will never go for a BET Award where he will be awarded backstage, away from the live audience as the media network does to the recipients of its African award. He tweeted this;

Lol So I'm hearing BET is mad cos I didn't come for the pre shows and interviews! Lol.

It is quite evident that there was no way BET would have awarded an artist who stood up to them that way. He also boycotted this year’s awards and did not participate in any of the promotion prior to the event.

This in my opinion, is a stance that other African artists have to start taking to preserve their self-respect as well as that of the African people. It is disrespectful that an award created to honour and award black people of excellence will segregate Africans by not giving them their awards during the main event.

Borussia Dortmund defender, Neven Subotic has announced he is looking for a new club. The centre back took to social media to announce the decision.

Subotic has lost his starting spot for the past two seasons at the Signal Iduna Park. He made just six appearances in the 2015/16 season.

And now the 27-year-old took to his Facebook page to announce he is looking for a new club. As he looks to end his eight-year stay at the club.

Subotic wrote: “Dear friends, during the last year I realised that my love for the game of football in an active role is too big to just be able to see it from outside. Football is an important part of my life. I love it and I can’t be without it.

“I am in the best age for a football player and I want to use my time to improve myself and my team every day. And I want to have the feeling I am needed and I can give everything for my club. That is what I am thinking about.

“I do not want to earn my money on the bench, but to be a active part of the history like I was until last year. I hope you can understand that.
“Borussia Dortmund is the club of my heart and it will always be. Yours, Neven”

Subotic had been strongly linked with a January move to Liverpool to reunite with former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, but a move never materialised.

Medical practitioners under the auspices of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have decided to suspend its nationwide strike and are poised to resume work tomorrow, Monday, June 27, 2016.

Mr. Askira said his association’s meeting also resolved to review the progress of government intervention at the next NEC meeting of the association scheduled for July 25 to 30 in Keffi for appropriation action.

He also commended the role of the National Assembly in the impasse, particularly the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, adding that the association will review the progress of the intervention, at the July NEC scheduled for July 25-30.

His words: “In view of the genuine intervention of the Hon. Speaker and other key stakeholders, NARD hereby suspends the on-going nationwide indefinite strike action so as to enable government implement the agreements reached within the agreed time frame on or before 14th July 2016.”

The West Ham midfielder has been the main man for Led Bleus at the continental event. Even though Griezmann and Pogba were expected to hold the torch for the hosts.

The midfielder supplied Giroud for the opener against Romania, and scored the winner, in a match that ended 2-1. He was also exquisite in the 2-0 win over Albania.

The 29-year-old was exceptional for West Ham, forcing him into the XI and plans, with Deschamps, whom he has not always seen eye-to-eye. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s last-16 encounter with the Republic of Ireland, he backed the 29-year-old to cut through the plaudits flowing his way.

“You give him a status, you take it away; you bring him down, you build him up,” the France boss told the assembled media.

“I’m very happy with what Dimitri is doing so far. He is making the difference, he’s enjoying it.

“He has been praised a lot from all quarters. He’s deserved it as well.

“He started working from the beginning of this week to try and maintain his performance levels.

“There is the opposite that can happen, when you give people these certain tags and they don’t necessarily live up to it, that can have consequences too.

“So I do talk to the players a great deal. But Dimitri is not a young player. He know what he has done in the past and he knows how he has got to this level. He does not want to give that up easily.”

As directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has openly published a list containing 100 out of a total of 217 “Chronic Debtors” in their books, including firms and individuals.

The decision to overtly bare the names of its debtors came barely days after the siege on the property of Senator Ben Murray Bruce – Silverbird Productions Limited, Silverbird Showtime Limited and Silverbird Galleria Limited – over a debt of N11bn.

A statement issued by the corporation said: “Further to our various publications advising debtors to come and settle their obligations with us, and in line with the directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) instructing us to publish the list of 217 chronic debtors.

“We hereby present a list of 100 out of a total of 12,744 obligors on our books, being the first batch of many to be published. The listed debtors are hereby advised to engage us for resolution of their unpaid obligations.”

The corporation, which totalled the amount owed by the debtors to N953.43 billion, also urged those listed “to engage us for resolution of their unpaid obligations.”

It would be recalled, AMCON has taken over the assets of Silverbird Group and Afrijet over N11 billion and N10 billion debts respectively.

In a boring affair between Portugal and Croatia. Ricardo Quaresma was the man of the moment for Portugal, as he scored the lone goal of the match. With Santos’s men making it to the quarterfinals in a 1-0 win over Croatia.

Portugal made it to the first knockout stage, after a 3-3 draw against Hungary. With Croatia earning top spot, after a 2-1 win over Spain.

Although Brozovic and Vida came close in the second half. Both teams had no shot on target after 90 minutes, for the first time at a major tournament since 1980.

Ivan Perisic struck the bar in the second additional period. With Portugal staging a fast break, from the miss.

Nani, who became the fourth player to reach 100 caps for his country, scuffed a shot across the box to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal captain’s effort was kept out by Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, but Quaresma was on hand to head home in the 117th minute.

There was one more agonising miss for Croatia as Vida hooked wide, but Portugal survived to set up a quarter-final clash against Poland in Marseille on Thursday.

One Africa Music Fest At Barclays Center, New York

With only 4 weeks to go, have you got your tickets to the biggest Afro-beat concert in New York? The One Africa Music Fest, brought to you by Upfront & personal is only 4 weeks away and the line up is one you do not want to miss!

The event will take place at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City at 7 p.m on the 22nd of July 2016!

Tickets to the show are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available in person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center (if tickets are still available).

Inspired By Brexit? IPOB launches Biafrexit, Accuses British PM, David Cameron Of Hypocrisy

Inspired by Brexit, IPOB Launches BIAFREXIT, Seeks Referendum

In a bid to emulate the historically momentous action by the United Kingdom (UK) to opt out of the European Union (EU) – Brexit – the People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu has on Saturday announced the launching of ‎’Biafrexit’ as its campaign slogan.

In a statement signed by its spokespersons, Mr. Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya, the IPOB congratulated the British government over the successful referendum which confirmed the country’s exit from European Union (EU).

The group described the exercise as a good omen and a step ahead of Biafra secession, calling on British government to support the wishes of Biafrans to secede.

This is just the group accused British Prime Minister, David Cameron of exhibiting hypocritical attitude towards the Biafran course.
‎The statement was entitled: “THERE MUST BE ‘BIAFREXIT’ IN LINE WITH THE JUST CONCLUDED ‘BREXIT’”.

It read: “The British Government, which is the closest ally of the Nigerian Government must, as a mark of exemplary leadership, guide Muhammadu Buhari and his colleagues to organize a BIAFREXIT akin to the recently organized BREXIT.

“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) congratulates the Government and people of Britain for organizing the BREXIT vote and applaud the British Government for respecting the wishes of her citizens.

“However, it smacks of hypocrisy that the same David Cameron that initiated the BREXIT vote has been propping up the Buhari‘s Government in their murderous acts of suppressing the quest by Biafrans to exit from Nigeria. This leaves Biafrans to ask if David Cameron’s hypocrisy is because Biafrans are blacks and if black Africans are inferior to white British people?

“Why does David Cameron think that what is good for the white British people is not good for the black people of Africa especially Biafrans? Mr. David Cameron, in organizing BREXIT is taking advantage of the rights of people to make their choice.

“But in denying Biafrans the right to choose their own nation, David Cameron is telling Biafrans that they are inferior because of the colour of their skin. David Cameron is directly telling Biafrans that because they come from an inferior race, they do not deserve to exist as a nation of their own choice.”

“There are indications that Scotland will restart their agitation for separation from Britain and both David Cameron and his would-be successor will not stop them nor will they roll out tanks and other lethal weapons to mow down the Scots like the British-supported Nigeria has been doing to Biafrans.

“We have to re-emphasize here that self-determination is a right that must be exercised by all free people. Even Donald Trump, the presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the USA tweeted on the 24th of June, 2016 that ‘Self-determination is the sacred right of all free peoples.’

“By blocking the self-determination efforts of Biafrans through overt and covert supports to Muhammadu Buhari, is David Cameron telling the world that Biafrans are still in slavery despite the abolition of slavery in 1833?

“IPOB has also observed with keen interest the consistent British Government’s official policy of not supporting any Christian nation that needs support for independence or that is going through any form of internal/external aggression.

“On the other hand, the British Government has always supported a Muslim nation against a Christian nation in any conflict just as they supported the Muslim-dominated Nigeria to carry out genocide against a Christian Biafran nation between 1967 and 1970.

“While IPOB is not against the religious inclinations of any nation, we do note with concern the British Government’s penchant for supporting Muslim nation against a Christian nation.

“We also note the faulty argument by David Cameron and the British Government that they do not want to alter the pre-independence territorial integrity of Nigeria. But this same territorial integrity of Nigeria was tampered with by the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun. We recall that in 1982 Britain went to war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands but this same Britain never supported Nigeria to prevent the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun and this distortion of the pre-independence territorial integrity of Nigeria is the same excuse used by Britain to continue to keep Biafra under Nigeria.

“From the success of BREXIT, we call upon the incoming Prime Minister to work with Buhari to speedily organize BIAFREXIT.

“In addition, we warn the incoming Prime Minister that failure to probe the criminality of Buhari against the Biafrans will make Britain culpable in the re-enacted 21st century Biafran genocide.

“It is unfair and hypocritical that the British Government will allow free expression of the wishes of her citizens, while on the other hand supporting Buhari in his brutal mass-murder of Biafrans who are exercising their God-given freedom to determine their nationality.

“We believe that the days of slavery are gone and the black race should not be treated as an inferior and expendable race.